Troops apprehend suspected Mastermind behind North-East bombings

The Nigerian military has identified one Shariff Umar as the suspected principal coordinator of a suicide bombing network linked to recent deadly attacks in the North-East, including the December 24 bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri.

The network is also believed to be responsible for several attempted attacks across the region.

The revelation followed intelligence-led operations carried out by troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation Hadin Kai.

According to the military, the breakthrough came after a series of cordon-and-search operations in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31, 2025, which led to the arrest of 14 suspects believed to be connected to suicide bombing activities.

The development was disclosed in a statement on Saturday in Maiduguri by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, who said investigations had uncovered the structure and operational linkages of the terror cell, according to Vanguard.

On the identification of Umar, the statement said, “This development followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted at the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on 31st December 2025, during which 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested. Subsequent detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.”

According to the military, a detained suspected suicide bomber, Ibrahim Muhammad, provided crucial information during interrogation, directly implicating Shariff Umar, also known as Yusuf, as the ringleader of the network.

“During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as ‘Yusuf’) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network,” the statement said.

Lt. Col. Uba explained that Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing and deploying suicide bombers, as well as coordinating logistics and the delivery of improvised explosive device components.

“According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

“Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest,” the statement said.

He was also accused of organising a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, Yobe State.

“He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri,” the statement said.

The military said further links within the network were uncovered, including the alleged involvement of Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and corroboration from his stepdaughter, Amina.

The statement added, “Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence.”

All suspects remain in custody and are undergoing intensive investigations aimed at dismantling the network and recovering any remaining explosives.

“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network, identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets,” the statement also said.

The military also called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely information.

Uba said, “OPHK underscores that this success once again highlights the critical importance of effective collaboration between security forces and the civil populace. Terrorist networks often survive by hiding within communities, exploiting silence, fear, or misplaced loyalty.

“Timely information from law-abiding citizens remains one of the most powerful tools in preventing attacks and saving innocent lives.

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